Mbappé names Messi world's best, Ibrahimović praises Haaland's killer instinct

Kylian Mbappé has declared Lionel Messi the world's best player, placing him on par with Cristiano Ronaldo and emphasizing Messi's 15-year "incredible career." Speaking at a press conference in Philadelphia, the French forward deflected questions about being the best himself, stating he focuses on his team's performance in the World Cup.

"The best of the four? Lionel Messi. Absolutely. He is the world's best, along with Cristiano," Mbappé said. "He has shown that for 15 years. He has had a completely incredible career." When asked about a potential duel with Erling Braut Haaland, Mbappé responded, "I am not thinking about Haaland. I am thinking about Iraq."

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The best of the four? Lionel Messi. Absolutely. He is the world's best, along with Cristiano. He has shown that for 15 years. He has had a completely incredible career.

Meanwhile, former football star Zlatan Ibrahimović, now a TV pundit, lauded Erling Braut Haaland's attributes. Ibrahimović described Haaland as an intelligent player with a strong "killer instinct" in the penalty box. He noted Haaland's focus on scoring, contrasting him with players who might try to do more than necessary.

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I am not thinking about Haaland. I am thinking about Iraq.

"He is a very intelligent player who doesn't do more than he has to," Ibrahimović said on Fox. "It's in front of the goal that his killer instinct comes into its own. You have people who try to do more than they should. He just waits in front of the goal and when the ball comes, it's one shot and one goal."

Ibrahimović also highlighted Haaland's prolific scoring record, calling it "insane" and noting his ability to score everywhere he has played. He acknowledged that while Harry Kane is a more all-around player, Haaland possesses a greater killer instinct inside the box.

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He is a very intelligent player who doesn't do more than he has to. It's in front of the goal that his killer instinct comes into its own. You have people who try to do more than they should. He just waits in front of the goal and when the ball comes, it's one shot and one goal.

France is set to play Iraq in their upcoming World Cup match, with coach Didier Deschamps cautioning against underestimating the opponent. Following Iraq, France will face Norway in their final group game on June 26. Deschamps mentioned that the match against Norway will also be important.

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Look at the numbers for Haaland. It's insane. He has scored everywhere he has been. And he still scores. He scored nine goals in one game once. He loves to score and he scores.